Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Akaroa, New Zealand

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Discover remote bays and native marine wildlife on this early morning sea kayaking tour from Akaroa. After an orientation session, paddle out onto the waters around Akaroa’s extinct volcanic basin with your guide. Test your skills in the shallows of the harbor. Then, head out onto the gently rolling waves and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged coastline. Look out for native birdlife, playful seals, and dolphins.

An ideal choice for families and active, nature-loving travelers
Small-group tour ensures personalized service
Includes light refreshments and on-the-water photographs
The early morning tour leaves the rest of your day free

What's Included

Light refreshments
Local guide
Local taxes
On water photographs

Lunch
Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Ākaroa Bowling Club
42 Rue Jolie, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Turn the corner at the GENERAL PENINSULA STORE until you see the BOWLING CLUB. It is on the corner by the large grass recreational ground,walk towards the ocean, you will get to the bowling club. We meet on the picnic tables opposite on the grass.Allow 10 minutes to walk from Akaroa main wharf

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.7:30 am

What To Expect

Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 10 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Near public transportation

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Garrett_C

Went on the morning tour with James, had a great time! He was super intensive and knowledgeable! Despite him mentioning he was Originally from the north island, and had just moved down to the south island… He had a lot of fun tid bits to mention to us! Super friendly and so glad we had an opportunity to see Akaroa with him. Good pace for us to paddle our hearts out or just cruise slowly to take in the scenery. THANK YOU! Very easy booking and instructions to start our trip!

Reviews

4.9

based on 127 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Very disappointing situation

Martha_C, Dec 2024

To begin with Viator messed up our reservation. On Saturday 11/09/24 I made a reservation for two participants. The front Viator page read reservation for Tomorrow ( 11/10/24). I continued on with the process assuming the reservation was for tomorrow 11/10 as the page stated. When my confirmation email came the reservation was for 11/11 instead of 11/10. We did not plan on being in the area on the 11th but had to change our plans or lose our money canceling. Next we received communication from the provider saying the weather looked questionable for the 11th could we go on the 12th. We had already stayed an extra day so that was not an option. The provider said ok we will try to beat the weather. We did the safety talk and were on the water for maybe 10 - 15 minutes and the weather arrived and we had to go back to shore. The provider said he would refund us 50% of the event cost. I have sent communications about this refund to him 3 times with no response. I think the provider should have canceled the event to begin with when weather is in question. Very disappointed with Viator and the provider.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

This is very disappointing as it seems 99% of your issue here is with trip adviser yet you have decided to take your frustrations out on a small family business that does its up most to look after it's customers as anyone can see by our overwhilming 5 star rating. Other guests this day completed the tour and had a great time, our guides are highly experienced and safety is priority, you were advised to come back on a day with calmer conditions to suit your ability even though we had already started the tour. Most operators would say that is it now, you have had your chance. The tour was completed successfully that day, you do not have a right to give a low rating to an activity you did not even complete in full. We are very upset trip advisor gives people like you a pedestal. Please come and actually complete one of our tours before giving a rating. It is only fair.

Great way to start the day

Destiny_S, May 2024

Fantastic morning out on the water! Our guide was very knowledgeable on the area and provided us with interesting facts. We had a slight change of plans due to the good weather, so we were able to go further out. Guide communicated efficiently with the change and gave us a great morning.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thanks for the review and I'm glad you had a terrific time!

From start to finish the...

Olivia_C, Feb 2024

From start to finish the tour was fabulous. I called the owner the night before panicking as my ride fell though and I suddenly did not have a car to get to the location / she was incredibly kind and helpful and organized for her team to pick me up on the way out. Guides Lee and Lucia were fun, professional and very knowledgeable about the area. Would definitely book again when return!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thanks Olivia, it was a pleasure having you and I'm so glad we could help to get you on the water! Hope to see you again! Allie

Sunrise kayak at Akaroa

Jake_J, Feb 2024

The kayak guide, experience and local knowledge. Good sized group. Doing the kayak in pairs made it like team building

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thanks for the review and so glad you had a great experience.

Highly recommend !

Lara_E, Jan 2024

My husband and I had a great time on the water with John! The day was cloudy with a little mist here or there, but there conditions were perfect as there was no wind and we were able to go out even further on the water. John shared lots of information about the history as well as the animals. The fact you go on the water early before there are any boats makes the whole experience so peaceful. We saw plenty of birds and even some dolphins! Highly recommend this tour and John!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks so much for the review, our guides are the best in the business and it is a magical place to sea kayak! Indeed the early mornings are the best time on the water for tranquil conditions! Safe travels!

Great tour with a great guide! #James

Garrett_C, Nov 2022

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Thanks so much for the review and we are so glad you enjoyed exploring with our awesome guides

Getting close to Hectors dolphins

Katharina_S, Jan 2021

We got close to Hectors dolphins right in the beginning and discovered sea stars in a cave later on. The guide was very knowledgeable and even had tips for other experiences in nature - very warmly recommended!

Response from Host, Mar 2021

Thanks so much for joining us for a beautiful paddle on our Crater Cruiser safari, we are so happy you enjoyed yourselves all the best allie and greville

Great day kayaking. There was a bit...

Diane R, Feb 2016

Great day kayaking. There was a bit of instruction to start with. We had never worn spray skirts while kayaking before. Had hoped for single person kayaks, but we accepted the tandem ones and enjoyed the day. Finally saw some Hector dolphins toward the end of the day. Got lucky with the weather and had very little wind. Tour guide Graviel sp? was very knowledgeable.

The Two guides were very nice and...

Cécilia L, Feb 2016

The Two guides were very nice and interesting We saw an hector Dolphin and a cub We really enjoyed this trip

Bellissima esperienza

Chloe_C, Dec 2024

Bellissima esperienza all'alba, anche sotto la pioggia è stata un esperienza unica! Grazie a Peter per tutte le spiegazioni ricevute, una guida ottima!